In between the explosive performances and touching speeches, the BET Awards were evangelized with an emotional performance by Will Smith, a killer speech by Killer Mike and host Taraji P. Henson reminding viewers to get out and vote in the upcoming presidential election.

Performing in a circle of fire backed by the Sunday Service Choir and R&b singer Friday, Smith rapped his new song “You Can Make It,” seeming to address the rough patch he experienced personally and professionally after slapping Chris Rock at the Academy Awards two years ago. “I’m here to tell you, you can make it,” he told the audience at the Peacock Theater at the top of the performance, which ended with this message: “Dance in your darkest moments.”

Rain poured down during the redemption performance on Sunday, which also featured gospel star Kirk Franklin and his words of courage and wisdom. “Nobody gets an easy ride,...